Is a backup wicketkeeper required for India for the ICC World Cup in 2023?
Since every team competing in the main event after two months will have a few stumpers in their lineup, it is unnecessary to inquire. India’s situation, though, could be different since the country is still trying to strike the proper balance and has not yet revealed its final 15.
The selection committee’s laborious work is to choose a solid squad of 15 athletes for the main event after KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer’s absence created a hole. Pant is reportedly not present at the site because he needs more time to heal from the injuries he had in the vehicle accident last year.
The two others have just recently begun playing practice games, so it is unclear how they will do when the selectors get down to identify the players.
In the meanwhile, numerous past world champions have proposed an answer to this conundrum, taking into account the possibility that neither Iyer nor Rahul would be available.
Former coach Ravi Shastri said on the Star Sports program Selection Day that if Ishan Kishan can play as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner, then the squad may have Suraykumar Yadav in the middle-order with Tilak Varma, adding that giving the latter a debut won’t be a terrible idea.
Former selector Sandeep Patil agreed with Shastri’s recommendation, stating, “100% [if India should give Tilak Varma a debut].” Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav will be my companions. After considering the opponent, the starting lineup may be determined.
How would a backup keeper have a chance if Surya and Tilak are in the middle order, Patil was asked? The 1983 World Cup champion added, “Since the competition will be held at home, I don’t believe a backup keeper is required. I hope nothing bad happens to Ishan Kishan, but if it does, we can send Sanju Samson anywhere in an overnight time.
Both participants in the conversation and former head selector MSK Prasad agreed that Tilak should be included on the World Cup roster. Recently, the young player had an outstanding T20I debut for India, finishing the five-match series against the West Indies as the second-highest scorer with 173 runs.
